In today’s age of social media, when a loved one passes on, their Facebook page typically becomes a place where people can go to post photos, share stories, or just connect with other friends and support each other through the process of coping with grief. Before creating this, one should consider the DOs and DON’Ts of running and sharing on a memorial Facebook wall.
Things You Should Consider when Creating a Memorial Page on Facebook
The DOs
First, decide whether the deceased would like to have their Facebook page remain “active.” If they were more private and didn’t use their Facebook account regularly, a memorial page may not be the appropriate thing to do in their situation.
If you decided it is appropriate for them, You will be prompted to complete the Facebook Memorialization Request form to turn the deceased timeline into a Facebook memorial page.
Once the account is memorialized:
- Friends and family will be able to continue to post their memories and stories on the page, depending on privacy settings.
- Your loved one’s content can remain visible to the friends and family with whom it was originally shared. This includes photos and posts.
- The memorial Facebook page will no longer show up in suggestions for “People You May Know,” ads, or birthday reminders.
- No one will be able to log in to the account.
- If the person who has died was the admin of a group, the group will be able to choose a new admin.
- The word “Remembering” will be displayed on the profile of the person who passed, alongside their name.
The DON’Ts
After you have created the Facebook memorial page, all that remains is to share stories, thoughts, and to celebrate the life of your loved one. Keep the following in mind to ensure that your posts are respectful and help others continue the celebration of a beautiful life:
- Don’t overshare on the memorial page. Keep your posts short and sweet, just like you would on any other person’s Facebook wall.
- Don’t comment on a link to a memorial wall. Actually, visit the Facebook page and post memories there. That way everyone can read your sentiment.
- Don’t use the wall for anything other than expressing your memories and grief. All too often people feel safe making personal attacks on the internet. If the deceased had a friend or relative you did not get along with, do not make rude or aggressive comments towards that person on your loved one’s Facebook wall.
- Don’t forget to be respectful. A Facebook Memorial is not the appropriate place to post a photo of the deceased shotgunning a beer on Spring Break. Show some restraint and post photos and memories that honor your loved one’s life as well as their right to privacy.
- The grief of loss is an intensely personal experience for everyone touched by it. Be careful not to speak over other people in general. Allow family and friends to have their personal expressions, and let them stand on their own. While you don’t want to define the memorial Facebook page with a tasteless representation of the deceased, it doesn’t help the grieving process to censor friends and family when they break the rules of etiquette. Forgiveness and understanding go a long way in the grieving process